Egyptian president in Moscow for Russia’s Victory Day

Egyptian President Al-Sisi is set to meet President Vladimir Putin on Russia’s Victory Day (Photo handout of the Presidency)

President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi arrived in Moscow Friday to take part of Victory Day’s 70th anniversary celebrations.

Al-Sisi is set to hold a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin “to enhance bilateral relations”, state media reported. He will also meet a number of other world leaders attending the Saturday celebrations.

The Moscow Victory Day Parade takes place in Red Square to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Nazi Germany’s capitulation in 1945. The annual parade marks the Allies’ victory on the Eastern Front at the end of the Second World War.

Leaders and delegations from 30 countries are attending the parade, among which Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas Abu Mazen.

Al-Sisi has sought to improve relations with Russia, the second largest exporter of weapons to Egypt, since coming to power after the ouster of the Muslim Brotherhood government and former president Mohamed Morsi in July 2013.

During Putin’s visit to Egypt in February, the Russian president declared that two countries are seeking to cooperate in the fields of infrastructure, automotives and chemical industries. This runs besides strengthening tourism, educational and scientific exchanges, and investments in energy and gas